By Kato Jamil
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has revealed that he and other mourners were attacked by a gang armed with stones, machetes, and iron bars at a funeral in Limuru.
The incident occurred during the burial of a one Erastus Nduati, where Mr Gachagua said that a group of assailants specifically targeted him and his vehicle, forcing him to flee the scene under a barrage of stones.
Video clips shared on social media show a group of attackers use plastic chairs, stones and sticks to smash windows of several cars believed to have been used by Mr Gachagua and his entourage.
Describing the attack on his official X account, Mr Gachagua expressed his dismay at the lack of security provided by the government following his impeachment from office earlier this year.
He criticised the state for what he called its complicity in the attack, stating, “This is a very sad state of affairs and a major low for the state, who were clearly complicit in these actions.”
According to Mr Gachagua, mourners, including children, were caught up in the chaos, with many scrambling for safety.
He particularly highlighted the plight of the bereaved family, who were forced to abandon the funeral proceedings amidst the violence.
Mr Gachagua’s security detail was withdrawn following his impeachment, a move he has contested in court.
He argued that it is customary for former high-ranking government officials to retain some level of state security even after leaving office.
He linked the withdrawal of his security to his vulnerability during the Limuru attack, saying, “It now looks like the decision to withdraw my security was to leave me exposed to the kind of attack we have witnessed today.”
Mr Gachagua, a former strong ally of President William Ruto, was impeached after a series of corruption allegations and claims of abuse of office.
A parliamentary investigation concluded that he had mismanaged public funds during his tenure, leading to a vote of no confidence in his leadership.
Mr Gachagua has denied all allegations, calling the impeachment process politically motivated.
The attack in Limuru has sparked public outrage, with Mr Gachagua’s supporters calling for an investigation into the incident.
Many have questioned the safety of opposition figures and the impartiality of state institutions in ensuring security for all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
The government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
Meanwhile, Mr Gachagua has vowed to continue his legal battle to challenge his impeachment and hold the government accountable for its alleged role in the attack.
This incident underscores the tense political climate in Kenya, as the fallout from Mr Gachagua’s impeachment continues to ripple through the country.
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